Darvish struggled with a similar injury throughout spring training and felt the pain return on Tuesday. The All-Star said his neck felt better after receiving treatment, but the team decided to proceed with caution.

The team's general manager said the club had reasons to be careful with the pitcher.

“Playing it on the safe side for a variety of reasons,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “One is this is the second time he’s had it. And given the injuries we’ve had, we’re on the cautious and conservative side right now.”